Barnet Council's Send plan approved by government

The local authority says the document sets out its “ambition for an inclusive, responsive and sustainable SEND system” reports David Floyd

A full front view image of Hendon Town Hall — Hendon Town Hall

Barnet Council’s plan to reform services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has been accepted by the government.

The council says that the plan sets out its “ambition for an inclusive, responsive and sustainable Send system, with children and young people, parent carers, schools and settings, and wider partners at the forefront of the proposals”.

The borough currently has 8,300 SEND pupils, and 5,044 of them had an education, health and care plan (EHCP) as of April this year.

In a Barnet Post feature published in May, Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson described the current Send system as being “broken” and pledged to fight for improvements, while one local parent said “what we really want is to be treated with a bit of dignity”.

Pauline Coakley Webb, the council’s cabinet member for family friendly Barnet, said: “We are delighted that our Send and AP Reform Plan has now been approved, marking an important milestone as we move forward into implementation.

“We are now progressing the actions within the plan and working collaboratively across the local area to translate our priorities into meaningful change.

Cllr Coakley Webb added: “Importantly, this is an evolving plan rather than a fixed document. The national SEND landscape continues to develop, and we will ensure that our approach reflects emerging government guidance, policy, and new legislation as these become available.”

A summary of the plan is available to read here.

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